Obituary of Bruce Smith

Bruce Smith, former longtime Yorkton resident, passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on the evening of September 15, 2017 after enjoying a full, happy and long life. Bruce now joins his beloved wife, Gladi Smith, resting peacefully together once again. Bruce is survived by a large family including his son Bob (and Linda), daughter Barb (and Dave); 3 grandchildren and their spouses; 6 great grandchildren; 2 sisters; nieces and nephews; and friends. Bruce was born on May 17, 1925 and raised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to A. W. "Bert" and Eva Smith, a baker/restaurant owner and well known business man. In his childhood he spent most of his time helping his father in the café. During his young adulthood, Bruce was a member of the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII, serving from 1942-1945 with the supply ship HMCS Antigonish and discharged in Victoria BC. After the war, Bruce returned to Saskatchewan where he took up farming in Springside for a year while newlywed to the love of his life, moved to Gladstone MB for a short time in a car dealership and returned to Yorkton selling automotive parts at Korb Motors. Bruce then found his career in opening his own insurance firm, Smith Insurance Agencies from 1961-1991 in Yorkton, SK. He continued to build a busy and joyful life with Gladi by starting a family and becoming heavily involved within the community. Bruce was a distinguished Mason of the Masonic Order starting in 1955 and through 50 plus years of service and dedication, held various important roles such as Worshipful Master of Yorkton Lodge No. 12 A.F. & A.M. (1962), Lodge Secretary (1967-1981), District Deputy Grand Master of the Lodge District No. 10 (1972-1973), Grand Representative to Kentucky (1978) and President and High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons King George Chapter No. 14. He also held the position of President of General Alexander Ross Branch No. 77 Royal Canadian Legion in 1966. Additionally, during this time, Bruce was also passionate about his involvement with the Parkland Shrine Club and the WA WA Shrine Temple in Regina. He joined the Shrine in 1965 and after many years of dedication and hard work he served as Potentate in 1986. Bruce continued to be involved in Masons and Shrine activities for many more years while in Yorkton and eventually received both his 60 year pin for the Masonic Order and his 50 year pin for the Shrine. A few years after his wife's passing, Bruce moved to Victoria, B.C. in 2006 where he loved to visit Esquimalt Lagoon to watch the navy ships maneuver off the coast. He spent his last few years living at the Alexander Mackie Lodge in Victoria, spending time with other friendly residents singing in the choir and enjoying drinks at the Legion across the street. Bruce was known for being a friendly man who always greeted passersby. He was witty and quick with his one line jokes and always loved a good laugh. He was a master around the pool table and had quite the precision with Crokinole games. In his pastime he and Gladi enjoyed many rounds of golf together and curling games with friends. He always had an interest in cars, listened to organ music everyday, and loved hosting fun parties for friends and family. An event never went by without Bruce singing his heart out around the piano. Singing brought Bruce such joy, especially if he could share the joy with others singing too. Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery